About me

Olivia Makara, M.Ed., RP

My name is Olivia and I am a Registered Psychotherapist who works with individuals of ages 15 and over who are experiencing ongoing mental health challenges. My goal is to help you overcome feeling overwhelmed and depressed and help you make progress towards your personal goals.

I provide bilingual psychotherapy services (French and English) for adults across Ontario, Canada.

My approach 

I am particularly drawn to humanistic, cognitive-behavioural, and mindfulness-based approaches, but I foster an integrative approach to better support every client’s individual needs. Through empathetic listening, warm therapeutic relationships, and a non-judgemental environment, I create a safe space for my clients to express themselves freely. On your journey with me, I will help you recognize your strengths, navigate challenges, develop effective coping skills, and establish objectives in a collaborative way.

My Journey to Becoming a Psychotherapist

I have battled with my own emotional and mental health problems. My struggles are what helped empower me with the ability to identify with other people’s pain.

My own personal experience with therapy and mental health has offered me great levels of insight and empathy that serve me very well as a therapist today.

These life experiences are what lead me to become the Registered Psychotherapist I am today.

Helping People Gives My Life Meaning

Being a psychotherapist is rewarding. I love guiding people towards positive changes and witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives. The most rewarding thing about being a psychotherapist is seeing a person walk away lighter, more free, and excited about their life.

I am committed to helping you make progress towards your goals.

I have a strong pull towards helping and bring an open, non-judgemental presence to sessions.

I have a natural ability to: 

  • Help people identify what they are feeling

  • Reflect people's thoughts back to them

  • Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them

  • Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances

People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can help people feel heard and understood which helps people feel seen and start to heal.

Our sessions are focused on you.

Sessions will provide you with the space to express your thoughts and feelings.

In feeling safe and comfortable, you'll be able to feel what you need to feel as well as be understood and heard.

It's important to me to create safety within session and ensure that the process is collaborative. There isn't a "one size fits all" approach to psychotherapy and counselling. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.

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As a Psychotherapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies

 

I believe that…

You deserve to feel better

There is no shame in asking for help

You are strong enough to be present with what you may be going through

Sometimes small steps in the right direction end up being the biggest steps in the end

Emotions heal when they are witnessed and validated

Transformation can happen when you ask for help

My professional background

  • University of Ottawa — 2019

  • University of Ottawa — 2022

  • Tina Wilston Psychotherapy (Kemptville, ON) — 2021-2022

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) — 2022

  • College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) — 2023

Let’s Discover How I Can Help.

Start feeling like yourself again. Get your free 20-minute phone or video consultation where you can share what’s going on for you and we can explore how I can help. 

Reach out today. I'm here for you.